Summary:
Sookie Stackhouse is once again shoved unrepentantly into vampire business. Her cousin, Hadley, who was turned into a vampire a few years previously, was permanently killed, and Sookie was named as her benefactor. Sookie has to now go to New Orleans to get Hadley's affairs in order, and collect any belongings Hadley's left behind. For once, though, Sookie's got something good going for her. She's got a hunky guy drooling over her, and he's not even a vamp! Quinn is a weretiger (think werewolf, only he turns into a tiger instead) that spotted her in the prior book, and they developed an... interesting connection. Add in a witch landlady, a vampire queen demanding help, and Eric and Bill (Sookie's exes) still trying to vie for Sookie's attentions, and there you have the next chapter in Sookie's crazy life.
Thoughts:
I really enjoy this series. Often when I start a book, within the first twenty pages or so, I see how many more pages I have, so I know when things are really going to ramp up, and then finish off. For Harris's page-turners, it easily takes me eighty or more to think about the page check, and then it's usually more to see how far I got and less to see how far I have yet to go. Harris has a way of building characters that you become completely enamored of, and who you wish you'd see more. (Personally, I'm crazy about Eric's character, because he's predictable in his unpredictability. Gotta love that guy!) Sookie's making more of a stand this time around, and trying not to jump straight into another shaky relationship that's based mostly around lust, so she's trying to take it slow with Quinn, a trait I appreciate and admire in not only a fictional character, but in an actual person.
Something to note about this particular edition to the Sookie books: It seems there is a short story that comes between the previous book, Dead as a Doornail, and this one. The story of how and why Hadley died is touched on briefly, but I'm fairly positive there is something more than just flashbacks to rely on for the full story. I'll be hunting for it, but I'm not sure if/when I'll find it. Just something to think about.
Overall, barring the lack of info about Hadley's early exit, this was another great turn for Sookie, and for Harris.
Book 16 of 50
Pages:324
Genre:Mystery with a side of supernaturality
Grade:B+
Would I Recommend?:Yes, but please read the previous installments before you get here. It'll just be confusing otherwise.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Six Geese A-Slaying (Donna Andrews)
Summary:
Yet another Donna Andrews mystery featuring Meg Langslow. This one is set at the most magical time of the year, the Christmas season. It's two days from Christmas, and Meg is in charge of Caerphilly's Holiday Parade. The trouble is, Santa gets offed within thirty minutes of his arrival. Whoops. Of course, Meg's got to hunt down the killer and save Christmas.
Thoughts:
The goose motif throughout was quite amusing. Andrews always throws the fowl named in the title into the storyline of the particular book, and this time was no different. And of course, along with the geese, there comes ridiculousness and hilarity that accompany Meg's family anywhere and everywhere. I enjoyed this one as always. The reasons behind the murder were not as obvious as they've been previously, and I was glad to see that drama stemming from Meg being unmarried is now gone, as she and Michael have happily gotten that out of the way. Unfortunately for Meg, now she's got to contend with the "when are the kids coming?" questions that old married always seem to need to ask the nearest newlyweds. Poor girl, I know how you feel, far more than I'd like. As usual for Ms. Andrews, this is yet another splendid turn for Meg and company.
Book 15 of 50
Pages: 288
Genre: Mystery
Grade: B+
Would I Recommend?: Sure. There aren't nearly as many callbacks to previous books as there are in other series, so this one would be an okay choice to pick up in the middle. Great for Christmas reading (or maybe even a little Christmas in July?)
Yet another Donna Andrews mystery featuring Meg Langslow. This one is set at the most magical time of the year, the Christmas season. It's two days from Christmas, and Meg is in charge of Caerphilly's Holiday Parade. The trouble is, Santa gets offed within thirty minutes of his arrival. Whoops. Of course, Meg's got to hunt down the killer and save Christmas.
Thoughts:
The goose motif throughout was quite amusing. Andrews always throws the fowl named in the title into the storyline of the particular book, and this time was no different. And of course, along with the geese, there comes ridiculousness and hilarity that accompany Meg's family anywhere and everywhere. I enjoyed this one as always. The reasons behind the murder were not as obvious as they've been previously, and I was glad to see that drama stemming from Meg being unmarried is now gone, as she and Michael have happily gotten that out of the way. Unfortunately for Meg, now she's got to contend with the "when are the kids coming?" questions that old married always seem to need to ask the nearest newlyweds. Poor girl, I know how you feel, far more than I'd like. As usual for Ms. Andrews, this is yet another splendid turn for Meg and company.
Book 15 of 50
Pages: 288
Genre: Mystery
Grade: B+
Would I Recommend?: Sure. There aren't nearly as many callbacks to previous books as there are in other series, so this one would be an okay choice to pick up in the middle. Great for Christmas reading (or maybe even a little Christmas in July?)
Sunday, April 15, 2012
A Touch of Greek (Tina Folsom)
Summary:
Triton is a philandering minor God, sprung from Olympus with spectacular good looks, a smokin' hot bod, and the arrogance to go with it. He can and will sleep with anything with breath and boobs. He even beds Zeus's current mistress, which leads to all kinds of trouble. His punishment, he is banished to the mortal world and must find a woman who will fall in love with him, not for his good looks, but his selflessness and kindness. Triton's in deep crap. Sophia's aunt, who raised her and her cousin Michael, has just passed away, and she is the sole benefactor of her aunt's will, thanks to Michael's conniving, cheating, stealing ways. She's trying to refurbish the house and turn it into a bed and breakfast, so that she won't be swept away by the taxes on her inheritance, and Michael's doing everything to stop it, and take what he believes he's owed. An unfortunate accident leaves Sophia nearly blind, and facing hardship upon hardship when Triton comes to her, ready to help and gain her love. Little do they both know, there's all kinds of peril waiting for them at every turn.
Thoughts:
Really good. It's absolutely classic romance novel formula, of course. But the writing is good, and the details are interesting. I was rooting for them both the whole way through, even if I did know what was going to happen in the end. The writing was good enough that you can ignore the "holy crap, so predictable" and move on to the "aww, what are they going to do next" of it all. I can't say it's the best I've ever read, but it's definitely not the worst. Added bonus is the Greek mythology angle, which will usually hook me right off. It does get fairly racy, and Triton often (especially at the beginning) can't stop thinking about his (ahem) trident. (Har har.) But it's not so much to be off-putting. There's more books in the series, though it apparently focuses on Dionysus not Triton, but I'll probably check it out anyway. I read this one on the Kindle, but it is also available in hard copy.
Book 14 of 50
Pages:221 according to Kindle (the last 5-10 pages were a "sneak peak"), 228 according to Amazon's page
Genre:romance, with a touch of Greek mythology
Grade:B+
Would I Recommend?:Sure, it's a fun romp in the hay.
Triton is a philandering minor God, sprung from Olympus with spectacular good looks, a smokin' hot bod, and the arrogance to go with it. He can and will sleep with anything with breath and boobs. He even beds Zeus's current mistress, which leads to all kinds of trouble. His punishment, he is banished to the mortal world and must find a woman who will fall in love with him, not for his good looks, but his selflessness and kindness. Triton's in deep crap. Sophia's aunt, who raised her and her cousin Michael, has just passed away, and she is the sole benefactor of her aunt's will, thanks to Michael's conniving, cheating, stealing ways. She's trying to refurbish the house and turn it into a bed and breakfast, so that she won't be swept away by the taxes on her inheritance, and Michael's doing everything to stop it, and take what he believes he's owed. An unfortunate accident leaves Sophia nearly blind, and facing hardship upon hardship when Triton comes to her, ready to help and gain her love. Little do they both know, there's all kinds of peril waiting for them at every turn.
Thoughts:
Really good. It's absolutely classic romance novel formula, of course. But the writing is good, and the details are interesting. I was rooting for them both the whole way through, even if I did know what was going to happen in the end. The writing was good enough that you can ignore the "holy crap, so predictable" and move on to the "aww, what are they going to do next" of it all. I can't say it's the best I've ever read, but it's definitely not the worst. Added bonus is the Greek mythology angle, which will usually hook me right off. It does get fairly racy, and Triton often (especially at the beginning) can't stop thinking about his (ahem) trident. (Har har.) But it's not so much to be off-putting. There's more books in the series, though it apparently focuses on Dionysus not Triton, but I'll probably check it out anyway. I read this one on the Kindle, but it is also available in hard copy.
Book 14 of 50
Pages:221 according to Kindle (the last 5-10 pages were a "sneak peak"), 228 according to Amazon's page
Genre:romance, with a touch of Greek mythology
Grade:B+
Would I Recommend?:Sure, it's a fun romp in the hay.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins)
This is a special post, brought on because the Hunger Games is huge right now. From time to time, if I find something that's great and that I want to share right away, I'll make a special Wednesday post to keep you up to date. The book number (22 of 50) is out of order from the rest of the books posted on Sundays because I'm really far ahead on my reading this year.
Summary:
The Hunger Games is about a post-apocalyptic country called Panem, which sits where the United States once did. The thirteen districts revolted against the Capitol, and now the twelve remaining districts have to suffer through the Hunger Games as punishment. Every year, one boy and one girl from each district fight to the death in an arena near the Capitol, and video of the whole ordeal is broadcast throughout the country for everyone to watch. The Tributes' names are drawn by lots, though anyone can volunteer if they so choose. Katniss Everdeen hates the Capitol for this violent practice, but she volunteers for the Games to save her little sister's life. Now she must fight her way through the Games, fending off the craziest of competitors, in the hopes that she might actually return to District Twelve.
Thoughts:
What a disturbing plot line for a piece of teen literature. But it works. You feel offended by the gall of the Panem government, and you hurt for Katniss as she fights to stay alive, and does everything she can to do so. The characters are so well built, they take hold of your mind and don't let go. It's not often that I find something that has as much a hold on me as this book does. I couldn't put the book down, even during the more tedious parts (of which there are very, very few), and finished the book in about three days' time. It's an incredible book, and well worth the read. Sure, this book is trendy and cool right now, and you might want to roll your eyes at all the hipsters that are carrying around well-worn copies of it, and the rest of the series, like badges of honor or something. But they're not wrong about the impressiveness of the book. It's well plotted, very well written, and completely intriguing. Highly suggested, and honestly, probably one of the best books I've read all year, so far. Hop on the Hunger Games train if you haven't already. You won't be sorry. As an aside, I went to the movie last week, and the movie is fairly spot-on. There were a few discrepancies (Prim isn't the one that gave Katniss the mocking jay pin, it was another girl Katniss went to school with, and Peeta's actor doesn't feel like Peeta to anyone I've spoken with about it) but for the most part, it's a very well-done movie adaptation. I think an added bonus was how much Ms. Collins was involved with the making of the movie. I saw her name on two different lines when the credits rolled, more than just "Based on a novel by..." I highly suggest the movie, but only after having read the book, because there are things that will just shock the heck out of you if you don't know they're coming, and you might wind up bawling like a baby as you watch the movie unknowingly. Watch this space for a review of the following books in the series. It'll come as soon as I get my hands on the books.
Book 22 of 50
Pages: 384
Genre: teen lit, post-apocalyptic
Grade: A+
Would I Recommend?: Yes, with great aplomb. Read it. Trust.
The Hunger Games is about a post-apocalyptic country called Panem, which sits where the United States once did. The thirteen districts revolted against the Capitol, and now the twelve remaining districts have to suffer through the Hunger Games as punishment. Every year, one boy and one girl from each district fight to the death in an arena near the Capitol, and video of the whole ordeal is broadcast throughout the country for everyone to watch. The Tributes' names are drawn by lots, though anyone can volunteer if they so choose. Katniss Everdeen hates the Capitol for this violent practice, but she volunteers for the Games to save her little sister's life. Now she must fight her way through the Games, fending off the craziest of competitors, in the hopes that she might actually return to District Twelve.
Thoughts:
What a disturbing plot line for a piece of teen literature. But it works. You feel offended by the gall of the Panem government, and you hurt for Katniss as she fights to stay alive, and does everything she can to do so. The characters are so well built, they take hold of your mind and don't let go. It's not often that I find something that has as much a hold on me as this book does. I couldn't put the book down, even during the more tedious parts (of which there are very, very few), and finished the book in about three days' time. It's an incredible book, and well worth the read. Sure, this book is trendy and cool right now, and you might want to roll your eyes at all the hipsters that are carrying around well-worn copies of it, and the rest of the series, like badges of honor or something. But they're not wrong about the impressiveness of the book. It's well plotted, very well written, and completely intriguing. Highly suggested, and honestly, probably one of the best books I've read all year, so far. Hop on the Hunger Games train if you haven't already. You won't be sorry. As an aside, I went to the movie last week, and the movie is fairly spot-on. There were a few discrepancies (Prim isn't the one that gave Katniss the mocking jay pin, it was another girl Katniss went to school with, and Peeta's actor doesn't feel like Peeta to anyone I've spoken with about it) but for the most part, it's a very well-done movie adaptation. I think an added bonus was how much Ms. Collins was involved with the making of the movie. I saw her name on two different lines when the credits rolled, more than just "Based on a novel by..." I highly suggest the movie, but only after having read the book, because there are things that will just shock the heck out of you if you don't know they're coming, and you might wind up bawling like a baby as you watch the movie unknowingly. Watch this space for a review of the following books in the series. It'll come as soon as I get my hands on the books.
Book 22 of 50
Pages: 384
Genre: teen lit, post-apocalyptic
Grade: A+
Would I Recommend?: Yes, with great aplomb. Read it. Trust.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
A Fault in Our Stars (John Green)
Summary:
In John Green's newest book, Hazel is a sixteen year old who, since her diagnosis with lung cancer, has become a self-described homebody. She goes to Support Group, and not much else, and grudgingly at that. One fateful meeting of the Support Group, she meets Augustus Waters, and her whole existence changes. Augustus is hot, and he stares at her the whole meeting. The agree to read each other's favorite books, and from there the bond does nothing but grow.
Thoughts:
What a brutal, glorious, agonizingly beautiful book. I'd read one of Green's books before (Will Grayson, Will Grayson, and it was fantastic.) and appreciated his humor and the great writing. When, through Green's video blog, which my husband keeps up with, we learned that A Fault in Our Stars was getting released, we had to grab it. This latest novel is no less spectacular than his previous. (No, they have nothing to do with each other, except that they are both about teenagers. No series here, people!) Green creates characters that are endearing and wonderful, and you can't help but fall for them while they fall for each other. When I first cracked the cover, and discovered it was a book about cancer patients, I didn't want to read on, because I didn't want to be depressed over their illness. But this is not, as Green put it, "a cancer book." There's no epic fighting ending in a spectacular honorarium that Hazel fights to build so she can be remembered. Yes, the beginning is a tad uncomfortable for those of us blessed enough to not see the hardships with our own eyes. But Green leads the reader past the fact that Hazel is a cancer patient and leads you to exactly where Hazel would want you to be, forgetting at times that she's sick, ignoring the fact that she's going to die, and living with her while she creates her infinity with Augustus. It's cliche, and I know it is, but... I laughed. I cried. I loved this. Well done, Mr. Green. You've done it again.
Book 13 of 50
Pages:336
Genre:teen lit
Grade:A+
Would I Recommend?:Hell yes. Please do. You won't regret it at all. Promise.
In John Green's newest book, Hazel is a sixteen year old who, since her diagnosis with lung cancer, has become a self-described homebody. She goes to Support Group, and not much else, and grudgingly at that. One fateful meeting of the Support Group, she meets Augustus Waters, and her whole existence changes. Augustus is hot, and he stares at her the whole meeting. The agree to read each other's favorite books, and from there the bond does nothing but grow.
Thoughts:
What a brutal, glorious, agonizingly beautiful book. I'd read one of Green's books before (Will Grayson, Will Grayson, and it was fantastic.) and appreciated his humor and the great writing. When, through Green's video blog, which my husband keeps up with, we learned that A Fault in Our Stars was getting released, we had to grab it. This latest novel is no less spectacular than his previous. (No, they have nothing to do with each other, except that they are both about teenagers. No series here, people!) Green creates characters that are endearing and wonderful, and you can't help but fall for them while they fall for each other. When I first cracked the cover, and discovered it was a book about cancer patients, I didn't want to read on, because I didn't want to be depressed over their illness. But this is not, as Green put it, "a cancer book." There's no epic fighting ending in a spectacular honorarium that Hazel fights to build so she can be remembered. Yes, the beginning is a tad uncomfortable for those of us blessed enough to not see the hardships with our own eyes. But Green leads the reader past the fact that Hazel is a cancer patient and leads you to exactly where Hazel would want you to be, forgetting at times that she's sick, ignoring the fact that she's going to die, and living with her while she creates her infinity with Augustus. It's cliche, and I know it is, but... I laughed. I cried. I loved this. Well done, Mr. Green. You've done it again.
Book 13 of 50
Pages:336
Genre:teen lit
Grade:A+
Would I Recommend?:Hell yes. Please do. You won't regret it at all. Promise.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
A Red Hot Valentine's Day (various)
Summary:
This collection of four short stories has two set in the nineteenth century, one set in modern-ish times with demons, and one set in actual modern times. Warning, these stories are flat-out erotica, and not recommended for the faint of heart. Story one sees a whole lotta action for an unmarried gentleman seeking a wife, and his current mistress, a widow with a wandering eye. Story two finds a long-distance couple trying to finally celebrate a Valentine's Day in the same time zone. Story three throws together an incubus and a succubus who are past lovers, and whose job on earth is to bring damned souls to hell through any sexual means possible. Story four finds a widow and her first (and unrequited) love stuck together during a snow storm.
Thoughts:
I almost didn't post about this book, because I just didn't know how I felt about it. But I'm sticking to my guns, and posting about every book I read, no matter the content. That being said, holy crap. I was given this as a gift, and the giver had no idea of the true content, other than it sounded like a romance, and something I might enjoy. I can't tell you my surprise when I cracked the cover. Whoo boy. Story one is literally sex-laden. I can remember at least six instances of sexual activity off the top of my head, and that was in a grand total of seventy pages. There's very little actual STORY here, it's more "how do I get this guy into that chick's bed fastest?" I wasn't impressed. There's erotica written purely for the sex, and erotica written with an actual storyline involved, and this is very clearly in the first category. Clearly. Story two's got a little more going for it, and the erotica involved is actually more of a story within a story that's being sent back and forth between the couple as they try to pass time between meetings. Not altogether bad, and probably my second favorite out of the four options. Still, the author was very obviously trying to fulfill a couple challenges, either put forth from friends, or challenges to herself. Story three was just weird. It has two sections based in modern times, and one set in Hell itself. I mean, I'm all for fantastical stories and everything, but this one was just flat-out bizarre. And add in a few seriously detailed sexual encounters, and there you go. Definitely the least favorite of the bunch. I hate stopping reading things in the middle of a story, but on this bad boy, I was sorely tempted. Holy geez. Story four was sweet. Sure, it was hot stuff, too, but it actually had a storyline to it, and not just something to get the partners from sexual point A to point B. It had a bit of a Pride and Prejudice feel to it, though Jane Austen would never have dared to put erotica into any of her novels, and is probably rolling in her grave at my mere suggestion of such a thing. However, it was definitely the best of the pack, and you know the old saying. "Save the best for last." Once again, that's absolutely true, and I'm proud of this author for actually putting together a thoughtful piece that happens to include some racy sex scenes, instead of sex with a side of story.
Book 12 of 50
Pages:292
Genre:Erotica.
Grade:C+
Would I Recommend?:Eh. I've read better, and I've read worse. I certainly won't be reading it again...
This collection of four short stories has two set in the nineteenth century, one set in modern-ish times with demons, and one set in actual modern times. Warning, these stories are flat-out erotica, and not recommended for the faint of heart. Story one sees a whole lotta action for an unmarried gentleman seeking a wife, and his current mistress, a widow with a wandering eye. Story two finds a long-distance couple trying to finally celebrate a Valentine's Day in the same time zone. Story three throws together an incubus and a succubus who are past lovers, and whose job on earth is to bring damned souls to hell through any sexual means possible. Story four finds a widow and her first (and unrequited) love stuck together during a snow storm.
Thoughts:
I almost didn't post about this book, because I just didn't know how I felt about it. But I'm sticking to my guns, and posting about every book I read, no matter the content. That being said, holy crap. I was given this as a gift, and the giver had no idea of the true content, other than it sounded like a romance, and something I might enjoy. I can't tell you my surprise when I cracked the cover. Whoo boy. Story one is literally sex-laden. I can remember at least six instances of sexual activity off the top of my head, and that was in a grand total of seventy pages. There's very little actual STORY here, it's more "how do I get this guy into that chick's bed fastest?" I wasn't impressed. There's erotica written purely for the sex, and erotica written with an actual storyline involved, and this is very clearly in the first category. Clearly. Story two's got a little more going for it, and the erotica involved is actually more of a story within a story that's being sent back and forth between the couple as they try to pass time between meetings. Not altogether bad, and probably my second favorite out of the four options. Still, the author was very obviously trying to fulfill a couple challenges, either put forth from friends, or challenges to herself. Story three was just weird. It has two sections based in modern times, and one set in Hell itself. I mean, I'm all for fantastical stories and everything, but this one was just flat-out bizarre. And add in a few seriously detailed sexual encounters, and there you go. Definitely the least favorite of the bunch. I hate stopping reading things in the middle of a story, but on this bad boy, I was sorely tempted. Holy geez. Story four was sweet. Sure, it was hot stuff, too, but it actually had a storyline to it, and not just something to get the partners from sexual point A to point B. It had a bit of a Pride and Prejudice feel to it, though Jane Austen would never have dared to put erotica into any of her novels, and is probably rolling in her grave at my mere suggestion of such a thing. However, it was definitely the best of the pack, and you know the old saying. "Save the best for last." Once again, that's absolutely true, and I'm proud of this author for actually putting together a thoughtful piece that happens to include some racy sex scenes, instead of sex with a side of story.
Book 12 of 50
Pages:292
Genre:Erotica.
Grade:C+
Would I Recommend?:Eh. I've read better, and I've read worse. I certainly won't be reading it again...
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